A COUNTY carer has been placed under the supervision of the local social work department and banned from having any contact with his former partner.

Alistair McArthur engaged in a course of conduct that was abusive of his ex-partner over a nine-month period at her home and workplace.

McArthur, 32, admitted repeatedly demanding the woman change her work patterns and accusing her of cheating on him on several occasions.

He also demanded money from her and on one occasion he seized the woman by the neck and body and struggled with her in an attempt to remove a key from her.

The abusive behaviour also saw McArthur repeatedly threaten to kill himself on occasions between September 1, 2021, and June 16 last year.

Last Tuesday, Edinburgh Sheriff Court was told that the offender now “accepts his behaviour” and is “disgusted and ashamed of his actions” towards the woman.

His lawyer also added that McArthur “doesn’t diminish his reactions” and was said to be currently in regular contact with his children.

The lawyer said that McArthur, of Preston Cross Cottages, Prestonpans, was due to start a new job in the carer profession and there was “no opposition to a non-harassment order” being imposed as part of the sentencing.

Fiscal depute Xander Van Der Scheer said that the woman was in favour of “a long-term order” and that she continued to be “very afraid of the accused”.

Sheriff Roderick Flinn handed down a non-harassment order effectively banning McArthur from approaching or contacting the woman in any way over the next three years.

The sheriff also ordered McArthur to be placed under the supervision of the social work department for two years and he will have to follow their advice regarding his mental health.

The sheriff said that a conduct requirement was also necessary whereby McArthur will have to attend sessions with the Caledonian Men’s Programme for three years.